Authentic, experience-based and engaging learning begins in preschool. Jeffco preschools build a foundation of academic, social-emotional and physical learning so children are ready for school and a thriving future in kindergarten and beyond.
Jeffco preschool is play-based and responsive to student needs. Students can be curious, joyful and gain self-confidence while learning through inquiry and developing academic and social-emotional skills.
Jeffco’s preschool program offers a wide variety of half-day and full-day options for three- and four-year-olds at multiple sites across the county. In all classrooms, our students experience academic and social-emotional core instruction and have access to services for English language learners and identified special education needs.
Students turning three or four on or before Oct. 1 are eligible to begin preschool. All programs are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services and meet the Colorado Department of Education quality standards for early childhood care and education services.
VIEW THE 2024-25 PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS AND HOURS OF OPERATION
Round 1 opens DECEMBER 5TH 2023
How to Apply for Preschool
The four-year-old program is available for students who turn four on or before Oct. 1, 2024, and the three-year-old program is available for students who turn three on or before Oct. 1, 2024. Students who are three and four years old are served in the same classrooms.
- Find a school: Visit the EnrollJeffco website to find the best school options for your student.
- Apply for a school: Families will apply for preschool through the EnrollJeffco process for all preschool programs at Jeffco neighborhood schools, charter schools, and option schools.
- Returning students: If you have a returning student who attended preschool as a three-year-old, log into EnrollJeffco and complete the prompts for returning students. This must be done within round 1 of EnrollJeffco, from December 5 to January 12, to ensure your student retains their spot. You will be given the option to return to the same school for 4-year-old preschool, apply for different programs, or not return and forfeit your spot.
- Respond to offers: Lottery results for preschool will be available in EnrollJeffco. Families can log in to EnrollJeffco to view results and respond to any offers received. All offers will expire after three days.
- Apply for funding: Qualifying three- and four-year-olds will be able to apply for Universal Preschool funding in the spring of 2024. Families may qualify for tuition assistance through the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) throughout the year.
Please note: The preschool enrollment process is separate from applying for financial assistance. Please visit the preschool tuition webpage to learn more and apply for funding.
Waitlists and How They Work
Families can view the waitlist position slide deck to gain a better understanding of what it means to be on a waitlist, why your student’s position on the waitlist may change and more.